Albany, N.Y. (October 11, 2007) – Mount View Health Facility will close on or around October 31, 2007, in accordance with the mandates of the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century, also known as the Berger Commission. The closure plan was approved by the state Department of Health.

Niagara County, which owns Mount View Health Facility, is notifying the nursing home residents, their families and the employees of the pending closure. A transition team has started to put the plan into effect.

"During this time of transition, Niagara County's paramount priority will be to continue to provide the highest-quality professional care to Mount View Health Facility residents," County Manager Gregory Lewis said. "Niagara County's commitment to a nurturing, secure and healthy environment for each MVHF resident remains a pledge that will not be compromised."

Mr. Lewis noted that the transition team will work closely with Mount View employees, as well as their CSEA and AFSCME representatives, to ensure ongoing communication and to address employee concerns."

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., thanked the County for its cooperation. "We appreciate the County's commitment to ensure the health and safety of Mount View's residents throughout the transition," he said. "As Health Commissioner, I also thank the employees who have cared for Mount View residents over the years."

Commissioner Daines said the state Health Department will seek proposals from nursing homes for the next phase of the Berger Commission recommendations – to increase the availability of adult day health care programs for residents in Niagara County. Details of the solicitation will be made public shortly.